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‘10 times more painful’: Menstrual disorders fuel calls to ban tear gas at French protests
French activists and health workers are urging closer scrutiny of tear gas used by police at protests, including calls to ban it, after reports linked exposure to disrupted menstrual cycles and acutely painful periods. They argue that the weapon is not harmless, and that its effects on reproductive health need more research.
Police fired 22,000 canisters on 17 October during protests over conditions in schools and the cost-of-living crisis. The article also cites serious injuries, allegations that gas was fired without warning in confined areas, and an investigation into the death of a 59-year-old man whose family blamed exposure. Amnesty International has documented more than 500 cases of tear-gas misuse worldwide since 2018, while UN guidance warns that large doses can cause severe internal harm.
In short
- French campaigners want tear gas use at protests scrutinised and restricted.
- Reports link exposure to disrupted cycles and painful periods.
- Police fired 22,000 canisters on 17 October.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Tear gas can cause serious harm, and reports of disrupted cycles and unusually painful periods raise legitimate concerns that its health effects, particularly on reproductive health, have not been adequately studied. Given reports of injuries, use in confined spaces and uncertainty about the circumstances of a death, advocates can argue that a precautionary ban or tighter restrictions are justified to protect protesters and ensure policing remains proportionate.
The case against
Police and public-safety advocates can argue that tear gas is a less-lethal means of dispersing dangerous or rapidly escalating crowds, and that removing it could leave officers with fewer options to protect people or restore order. They may favour clearer rules, warnings, training and independent review of its use, while seeking stronger evidence on menstrual effects before concluding that a ban is necessary.
Explained simply
Tear gas is a chemical irritant used by police to disperse crowds. It can make people’s eyes water and cause coughing and breathing difficulties; exposure is harder to avoid in enclosed or crowded places.
In France, police use tear gas at demonstrations, including protests about public services and living costs. Activists and health workers have raised concerns about reported injuries and possible effects on menstrual health, while calling for more research into the risks.
The debate sits within wider questions about how police manage protests and what safeguards should apply to crowd-control weapons. International guidance warns that heavy exposure can cause serious harm, and human rights groups have documented cases of tear gas being misused.